The Rainbow

We are first introduced to the rainbow in the episode of Noach and the flood.[1] Following the Divine flooding of the entire world and the devastation it had caused, God promised that He would never do such a thing ever again. As a permanent reminder of His promise, God then identified the rainbow, which usually follows an extensive rainfall, as the sign of His commitment never to destroy the world again. As such, the rainbow is said to be the natural representative and revelation of God's honor in this world.[2] The rainbow was created by God on the sixth day of creation,[3] though there is a minority opinion that it was only created after the flood.[4] It has been suggested that the rounded shape of the menora in the Beit Hamikdash was in order to remind us of the rainbow.

It is not permitted to stare at a rainbow, as we are taught that God's Divine presence radiates from within it, though it is permissible to glance at it and enjoy its sight.[5] We are told that one who stares at a rainbow will have his eyes grow dim. In fact, a curse was pronounced upon those who stare at a rainbow. In the event that one was negligent and stared at a rainbow, one should "fall on his face" in prayer and request forgiveness for having done so.[6] Similarly, it is taught that one should not stare at the kohanim when they bless the congregation, as this too is said to cause one's eyesight to diminish. One is also not permitted to stare at a nassi, the leader of the Jewish people, either.[7]

Just as a blessing is recited on a number of natural phenomenons, there is a blessing that is to be recited upon seeing a rainbow, as well.[8] When one sees a rainbow in the sky, one should quickly glance at it and then recite the blessing.[9] The blessing recited upon seeing a rainbow recalls God's promise to never again flood the world and praises Him for keeping His promise. Due to the fact that a rainbow essentially recalls death and destruction, some authorities suggest not informing others when one sees a rainbow.[10] Other authorities dismiss this concern and argue that one should always publicize an event in which the opportunity to recite a blessing presents itself, including the appearance of a rainbow.[11]

The blessing is recited only once each time a rainbow appears after a rainfall. In the event that one had recited the blessing upon a rainbow following a rainfall which had completely passed -but then unexpectedly returned-  it is permitted to recite the blessing upon a new rainbow again that same day.[12] One need not see the entire rainbow in order to recite the blessing - even seeing a small portion of it is sufficient to warrant reciting the blessing.[13] The blessing may also be recited when seeing a rainbow through a window.[14] It is best to recite the blessing while standing.[15]

We are told that a rainbow does not always appear after a rainfall - only when its appearance is "needed". We are also told that a rainbow does not appear in a generation that is completely righteous, as such individuals need no reminder of the flood, the destruction, and the sins which caused it.[16] The generation of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai was such a generation which never saw a rainbow. It is interesting to note that the first covenant that God ever made with mankind was with Noach and the rainbow.[17] We are taught that the rainbow will be one of the symbols of the future redemption.[18]

There are a number of interpretations as to the significance of the rainbow.[19] Some commentators suggest that the prohibition of staring at a rainbow derives from the fact that it was corruption and sin which brought about the flood, and subsequently, the rainbow. Therefore, we are merely to use the appearance of the rainbow as an opportunity to recall the destruction of the world, which is why only a brief glance at its beauty is in order. Other commentators explain that the rainbow, complete with its base and arch, represents the spiritual mountain which we are to "climb" in order to reach God.

It is interesting to note that many authorities argue that the Jewish people did not cross through the Red Sea upon their Exodus from Egypt. According to this view, they travelled through the sea in a semicircular arch formation, actually exiting the sea on the same side that they had entered it![20] We are also told that each tribe crossed in their own tunnel.[21] According to this approach, every tribe with its own unique "spiritual colors" would have appeared as a giant "spiritual rainbow" when they crossed through the Red Sea!

[1] Bereishit 9:13

[2] Yechezkel 1:28, Chagiga 16a

[3] Avot 5:6

[4] Ibn Ezra;Bereishit 9:13. There is an interesting dispute whether the rainbow had always been around and merely designated as the sign between God and mankind (Ramban;Bereishit 9:12) or if it was actually only first created after the flood (Ibn Ezra;Bereishit 9:13). The former seems to be the predominant view.

[5] Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 60:4, Yalkut Yosef 229:4

[6] Hagahot Habach Chagiga 16a

[7] Chagiga 16a, Be'er Heitev 229:2

[8] Berachot 59a

[9] O.C. 229:1, Kaf Hachaim 229:5

[10] Misgeret Hashulchan 60:1, Kaf Hachaim 229:1, Mishna Berura 229:1

[11] Yalkut Yosef 3 page 626 cited at: http://www.dailyhalacha.com/displayRead.asp?readID=266&txtSearch=rainbow

[12] Kaf Hachaim 229:2, O.C. 227:2

[13] Birkat Hashem Chelek 4, page 311, note 129, cited at: http://www.dailyhalacha.com/displayRead.asp?readID=266&txtSearch=rainbow. See however Biur Halacha 229, Teshuvot V'hanhagot 3:76

[14] Shaarei Teshuva 224:1. See also Shevut Yaakov 1:126

[15] Piskei Teshuvot 229:1

[16] Ketubot 77b, Bereishit Rabba 35:2

[17] Bereishit 6:18

[18] Zohar 1:72b

[19] Cited at: http://www.thirdtemple.com/parashas/rainbow-menorah.html

[20] Tosfot;Erchin 15a

[21] Mechilta Beshalach 1:5